Leeds: Revellers who get themselves in night strife

Warnings have been issued to young women partying in Leeds city centre after a huge spate of theft offences.

Over the last week there have been 75 reports of phones, bags and purses being stolen in the city centre, primarily from young women.

The offences account for about half of all crime currently recorded in the city.

Police say many of the victims left themselves at risk because they were drunk.

Acting Sergeant Ben Ryder, from the City Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is a sad fact of life that there are thieves who specifically target bars and clubs with a view to stealing peoples’ valuables while they are out enjoying themselves.

“Leeds has a vibrant nightlife and clearly people are going to go out and enjoy themselves in the run-up to Christmas in greater numbers than normal.

“What we are asking them to do is to take sensible precautions to avoid falling victim to thieves and not to drink so much that they leave themselves vulnerable.”

He said revellers should not hang bags on chairs or leave phones or purses lying on tables. Police will increase city centre patrols over Christmas.

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